The Golden State Warriors tip off another make-or-break season. Following their heartbreaking playoff loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, they’ll look to prove that they’re still an NBA championship-caliber team.
But among all their stars, Klay Thompson might be the one with the most to prove this season. Amid all the rumors about his contract extension and potential free agency, the talented shooting guard has a big chip on his shoulder and is looking forward to reminding everyone of how good he is:
“No championship hangover this summer,” Thompson told SiriusXM NBA. “I was very driven, and I worked extremely hard. I know I don’t have 10 more years to do this, so I have to enjoy every single day. I feel great; this is the best I have physically felt in years. I am excited to show the world I am still capable of greatness.”
Thompson hasn’t been the same player since missing two seasons with major injuries, but he’s still coming off a solid year, averaging 21.9 points and 4.4 three-pointers per game on 41% from beyond the arc, all while playing 69 games.
Warriors Are Playing The Waiting Game
Thompson and the Warriors were unable to agree on terms for an extension in the offseason. Shams Charania of The Athletic reported that there’s a significant gap between his aspirations and what the team is offering right now, although they do intend to do right by him:
“The Warriors and Klay Thompson have been discussing an extension,” Charania said. “From what I’m told, there’s a significant gap in years and money. The negotiations right now, from what I’m told, they’re at a dead point (…) In an ideal world, the Warriors want to take care of him. They want to pay him. But they also want to see how this season goes.”
This is a similar situation to what they went through with Draymond Green last season. They eventually agreed to a multi-year extension, rewarding him for everything he’s done for the franchise, but it take some time.
Lacob Isn’t Worried
Likewise, team owner Joe Lacob doesn’t want the fans to read too much into this situation. He recently talked about his desire to get a deal done with Thompson, and he thinks things will eventually figure themselves out:
“I think everyone needs to just chill a little bit. Let it take its course,” Lacob said on 95.7 The Game. “My guess is it works out. I can’t control it. I can’t dictate it. You can’t dictate it. Fans can’t dictate it. These things have to take their course. There are different parties involved, but the intentions are really good.”
Thompson might not be the perennial All-Star he used to be, but he’s still an outstanding perimeter defender. His shooting opens up a lot of space for Stephen Curry’s offense, not to mention how it helps spread the floor for Steve Kerr’s full-motion system. He’s playing for his money and for another ring, so don’t be shocked to see him put up some big numbers next season.
SURVEY Is Klay Thompson still a star?
Is Klay Thompson still a star?
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